3D computer graphics software

"Modeller" redirects here. It is not to be confused with MODELLER.

3D computer graphics

Fundamentals
Modeling Scanning Rendering Printing Software
Primary uses
3D models Computer-aided design Graphic design Video games Visual effects Visualization Virtual engineering Virtual reality Virtual cinematography
Related topics
Computer-generated imagery (CGI) Animation (computer skeletal) 3D display Wireframe model Texture mapping Motion capture Crowd simulation Global illumination Volume rendering

For a broader coverage related to this topic, see 3D computer graphics.

3D computer graphics software produces computer-generated imagery (CGI) through 3D modeling and 3D rendering or produces 3D models for analytic, scientific and industrial purposes.

Classification

Modeling

Main article: 3D modeling software

3D modeling software is a class of 3D computer graphics software used to produce 3D models. Individual programs of this class are called modeling applications or modelers.

3D modelers allow users to create and alter models via their 3D mesh. Users can add, subtract, stretch and otherwise change the mesh to their desire. Models can be viewed from a variety of angles, usually simultaneously. Models can be rotated and the view can be zoomed in and out.

3D modelers can export their models to files, which can then be imported into other applications as long as the metadata are compatible. Many modelers allow importers and exporters to be plugged-in, so they can read and write data in the native formats of other applications.

Most 3D modelers contain a number of related features, such as ray tracers and other rendering alternatives and texture mapping facilities. Some also contain features that support or allow animation of models. Some may be able to generate full-motion video of a series of rendered scenes (i.e. animation).

Rendering

Main article: 3D rendering

Although 3D modeling and CAD software may perform 3D rendering as well (e.g. Autodesk 3ds Max or Blender), exclusive 3D rendering software also exists.

Computer-aided design

Main article: Computer-aided design

Computer aided design software may employ the same fundamental 3D modeling techniques that 3D modeling software use but their goal differs. They are used in computer-aided engineering, computer-aided manufacturing, Finite element analysis, product lifecycle management, 3D printing and Computer-aided architectural design.

Complementary tools

After producing video, studios then edit or composite the video using programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro at the mid-level, or Autodesk Combustion, Digital Fusion, Shake at the high-end. Match moving software is commonly used to match live video with computer-generated video, keeping the two in sync as the camera moves.

Use of real-time computer graphics engines to create a cinematic production is called machinima.

References

External links

3D Tools table from the CGSociety wiki

3D computer graphics software

Open-source	Art of Illusion AutoQ3D Community Blender K-3D MakeHuman MeshLab OpenFX Point Cloud Library POV-Ray Seamless3d Sweet Home 3D Wings 3D

Closed-source	3D-Coat AC3D Autodesk 3ds Max Autodesk Maya Autodesk Mudbox Bryce Carrara Cinema 4D Clara.io Cyber Studio CAD-3D DAZ Studio Electric Image E-on Vue Hexagon Houdini Indigo Renderer LightWave 3D MASSIVE Golaem Crowd Messiah Modo Moment of Inspiration Poser RaySupreme Remo 3D Rhinoceros Sculptris Shade 3D Shark 3D Silo SketchUp Strata 3D Swift 3D Terragen VistaPro ZBrush

Defunct	Amapi Autodesk Softimage Dynamation PowerAnimator Softimage 3D trueSpace

Comparison Category List 3D modeling 3D rendering

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Tuesday, February 23, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.